Blue-spot Dascyllus

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the reefs of the Indian Ocean, ranging from East Africa and Madagascar to Java and the Andaman Sea. Found around branching corals in shallow lagoons.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Pomacentridae. Features a deep, laterally compressed body. Reaches a maximum standard length of 7 cm. Small mouth with sharp teeth.

Social Behavior: Forms large shoals around branching Acropora corals when young. Develops a highly territorial and aggressive behavior as it matures, defending its area.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Greyish-white to light brown body with two prominent vertical black bands. Decorated with tiny, glowing blue spots on the head. No clear sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 100 liters with branching structures or rocks to simulate its natural coral reef habitat.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet containing frozen foods (brine shrimp, mysis), high-quality dry foods, and occasional green matter.

Water Quality: Standard marine conditions: temperature 24-28 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.020-1.025 with moderate to high water flow.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Due to high adult aggression, select robust and active tankmates. Do not house with timid or long-finned species.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawns on rocky substrates. The male establishes a territory, courts the female, and assumes full responsibility for guarding the nest.

Risks and Diseases: Extremely hardy species with low susceptibility to common marine diseases. Ideal for cycling new marine aquarium systems.